I got the wonderful opportunity to spend a month in the amazon learning from a wonderful linage of shipibo maestros. The father Sina and 3 sons: Emilio, Huber and Limber. This specific linage has been maestros for several generations.
It was the most magical experience to sit in plant medicine ceremonies and do a plant dieta with them. The place was simple and full of mosquitoes, spiders and frogs.
I made lifelong new friends and learned more then I could have asked for. I managed to sit in 14 ceremonies and do a one month dieta with Pinon Colorado.
The shipibo work with the plants as a medicine and create an energetic hospital. You come in ceremony, there is no light, no music. Icaros are the way they guide the medicine. They tap into your energy and are guided by the plants which icaros to sing. For calming, protection, cleaning or healing. Whatever is needed.
This is a very unique and special experience.
Most maestros in their early 20s do a few years of plant dieta, solitude and abstinence of many things. They learn icaros (the songs) from the plants while they are in the dietas. If you would want to become a maestro or maestra the idea is to spend at least 2 years in dieta (does not have to be in a row).
Being in a dieta is a completely different experience then “just” joining ceremonies of ayahuasca. During the dieta you form a relationship with the plant. You learn, through dreams, insights and calmness.
In the past there were also merayas: they were truly connected to other dimensions and could visit the water world, spirit realm and much more. Now a days it is not sure if they still exist.
The way to become a meraya is a bit secretive, someone in the center was kind enough to share some details but I think its good to keep that off the internet.
One of the last known merayas is: Olivia Arevalo Lomas who passed on in 2018.
If you ever have the opportunity to work with the shipibo people: I totally recommend! 𖦹
miracles of the moon ☽ 